even though there are some very basic items I still need. (Yes, the damn bathmat, still.) I had a friend stay over last night and as soon as she came into the apartment, she exhaled and smiled. This morning, she said it had been inspiring to her to stay at my place and realize, “Yes, this is what I want for myself. A cozy place that’s all mine.” She’s an artist and an incredibly thoughtful and present person, so her spontaneous response and words mean a lot to me.

I’ve done it. I’ve created a space that expresses who I am and who I want to be, while allowing space for expansion into a me that I haven’t yet imagined. You know what, y’all? I may be growing up.